but the president didn't bring that up in the first debate, giving romney a convincing win. and then a burst of life in the national polls. then a late october surprise from mother nature that put the campaign on hold. >> this morning, the perfect storm. >> reporter: and resulted in some strange political bedfellows. >> i want to thank the president personally. >> reporter: by the end of this long, nasty campaign, millions of americans felt the same as this sobbing 4-year-old. >> i'm tired of barack obama and mitt romney. >> reporter: on november 6th, an historic win for president obama, who picked up every critical battleground state. >> barack obama has been re-elected. >> reporter: there were tears in boston. >> i so wish i had been able to fulfill your hopes to lead the country in a different direction. >> reporter: and jubilation in chicago. as the president looked ahead to four more years. >> i return to the white house more determined and more inspired than ever. >> reporter: karen travers, abc news, washington. >> some iconic moments there. it's nice to go back over